Windows 10 ecosystem expands with Lumia & Surface devices

Microsoft unveiled a range of devices designed to maximise the potential of its interoperable Windows 10 platform.

The IT giant launched new flagship Lumia smartphones, the 950 and 950 XL. Sized 5.2" and 5.7" and costing $549 and $649 respectively, the devices feature 32 GB of storage and 20 MP cameras.

Both available in December, the 950 has a hexa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 processor while the 950 XL has a Snapdragon 810 octa-core CPU.

A new ‘Glance’ feature allows specific notifications to be displayed without the phone’s screen being on, using only specific pixels to save power.

In addition, the Microsoft Display Dock will allow phones to be connected via USB to other bigger screens and optimise the settings for these displays.

A budget Lumia 550 was also launched, costing $139 and available in December.

In addition, Microsoft announced the Surface Pro 4, its latest tablet. With a 8.44 mm display capable of displaying 5 million pixels and an 8 million pixel camera with autofocus, the device runs on a 6th-gen Intel Core processor and offers up to 1 GB RAM and 1 TB storage.

Microsoft unveiled a new Surface Pen to go with it featuring a year of battery life, with the screen able to register 1024 degrees of pressure. A new Surface Book laptop was unveiled as well.

There was also a Microsoft Band for $249, which emphasises style with a curved display. It records VO2 max and adds automatic shot detection for golfers. There is also voice integration and support for several apps.

Alongside these releases, Microsoft demoed Project X-Ray, a new game for the living room featuring wearable holograms for HoloLens.